Kustaanheimo–Stiefel transformation with an arbitrary defining vector

Kustaanheimo–Stiefel (KS) transformation depends on the choice of some preferred direction in the Cartesian 3D space. This choice, seldom explicitly mentioned, amounts typically to the direction of the first or the third coordinate axis in Celestial Mechanics and atomic physics, respectively. The present work develops a canonical KS transformation with an arbitrary preferred direction, indicated by what we call a defining vector. Using a mix of vector and quaternion algebra, we formulate the transformation in a reference frame independent manner. The link between the oscillator and Keplerian first integrals is given. As an example of the present formulation, the Keplerian motion in a rotating frame is re-investigated.     

On the Distance Function Between Two Keplerian Elliptic Orbits

The problem of finding critical points of the distance function between two Keplerian elliptic orbits is reduced to the determination of all real roots of a trigonometric polynomial of degree 8. The coefficients of the polynomial are rational functions of orbital parameters. Using computer algebra methods we show that a polynomial of a smaller degree with such properties does not exist. This fact shows that our result cannot be improved and it allows us to construct an optimal algorithm to find the minimal distance between two Keplerian orbits. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Test of the extrapolation method for the numerical integration of the Keplerian motion

Two extrapolation methods (Gragg's method and GBS method) were tested for the numerical integration of the Keplerian motion. The tests cleared that the Gragg's method is better for the orbit computation and is 1) easy to control, 2) highly accurate, 3) tough, 4) economic, and 5) very flexible against the close encounter.     

Unstable modes of Keplerian discs

We derive the softened analogue of the Laplace–Lagrange secular theory of planetary motion, and use it to show that a small fraction of counter-rotating stars is all it takes for a hot Keplerian disc to grow unstable lopsided modes.     

On the symmetric difference quotient and its application to the correction of orbits (II). A numerical analysis

In this paper we present, among other things, the numerical analysis of behaviour of ordinary and symmetric difference quotients for some elementary functions, for rectangular coordinates (velocity components) in relation to orbital elements and initial values of coordinates (velocity components) in Keplerian motion.     

Matrix perturbation methods using regularized coordinates

Matrix methods for computing perturbations of non-linear perturbed systems, as formulated by Alexeev, involve an expression for the full solution of the first variational equations of the system evaluated about a reference orbit. These cannot be immediately applied to a regularized system of equations where perturbations about Keplerian motion are considered since the solution of the variational equations of regularized Keplerian motion does not in general correspond to the solution of the variational equations of the unregularized equations. But, as Kustaanheimo and Stiefel have pointed out, the regularized equations of Keplerian motion should be excellent for the initiation of a perturbation theory since they are linear in form. This paper describes a method for applying Alexeev's theorem to a regularized system where full advantage is taken of the basic linear form of the unperturbed equations.Presented at the Conference on Celestial Mechanics, Oberwolfach, Germany, August 17–23, 1969.     

Coordinates for perturbed keplerian systems with axial symmetry

A coordinate system is defined on the phase space of a perturbed Keplerian system after the mean anomaly has been averaged out, for the purpose of explaining how eliminating the longitude of the ascending node reduces the orbital space to a two-dimensional sphere in case the system admits an axial symmetry. Concomitantly, on the submanifold of direct osculating ellipses, the CDM variables are replaced by functions which form the basis of a Poisson algebra isomorphic to the Lie algebra so(3) of the rotation group SO(3); furthermore, in these variables, the doubly reduced phase flow appears like a rotation of the reduced phase space.     

Rotation rate and velocity dispersion of planetary ring particles with size distribution: I. Formulation and analytic calculation

We derive an equation for the evolution of rotational energy of Keplerian particles in a dilute disk due to mutual collisions. Three-dimensional Keplerian motion of particles is taken into account precisely, on the basis of Hill's approximation. The Rayleigh distribution of particles' orbital eccentricities and inclinations, and the Gaussian distribution of their rotation rates are also taken into account. Performing appropriate variable transformation, we show that the equation can be expressed with two terms. The first term, which we call collisional stirring term, represents energy exchange between rotation and random motion via collisions. The second term, which we call rotational friction term, tends to equalize the mean rotational energy of particles with different sizes. The equation can describe the evolution of rotational energy of Keplerian particles with an arbitrary size distribution. We analytically evaluate the rates of stirring and friction for the random kinetic energy and rotational energy due to inelastic collisions, for non-gravitating particles in a dilute disk. Using these results, we discuss equilibrium states in a disk of spinning, non-gravitating Keplerian particles.     

Stabilization by modification of the Lagrangian

In order to reduce the error growth during a numerical integration, a method of stabilization, of the differential equations of the Keplerian motion is offered. It is characterized by the use of the eccentric anomaly as independent variable in such a way that the time transformation is given by a generalized Lagrange formalism. The control terms in the equations of motion obtained by this modified Lagrangian give immediately a completely Lyapunov-stable set of differential equations. In contrast to other publications, here the equation of time integration is modified by a control term which leads to an integral which defined the time element for the perturbed Keplerian motion.This paper was supported by the National Research Council and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and also by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. It was presented at the Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., April 15–16, 1975.     

A method of regularizing the equations of motion in the central force-field

This paper deals with a method of regularization and linearization of the equations of motion in the central force-field, when the potential is given.This method of regularization of the equations of motion is known (Sundman, 1913), and is based on the transformation of time by means of introducing a new independent variable.In this article a condition has been obtained for the regularizing function when the potential is given.Some examples of the perturbed Keplerian motions are discussed.     

Perturbation of the vectorial elements of non-Keplerian orbits

A vector method of treating perturbations of orbits in arbitrary spherically symmetric fields of force is presented. This formulation makes it possible to commence the vector perturbational analysis of motion in an arbitrary non-symmetric field from an intermediate orbit which incorporates all of the spherically symmetric part of the field rather than from a simple Keplerian orbit. Only the nonsymmetric part of the field need then be considered the source of the perturbation.     

Note on Kepler's problem with variable angular momentum

Based on the equations of planar motion with drag used in point dynamics, a simple derivation is presented that shows how a constant Keplerian (elliptical) orbit can be obtained with a non-central force field and variable angular momentum.     

Normal forms for the epicyclic approximations of the perturbed Kepler problem

We compute the normal forms for the Hamiltonian leading to the epicyclic approximations of the (perturbed) Kepler problem in the plane. The Hamiltonian setting corresponds to the dynamics in the Hill synodic system where, by means of the tidal expansion of the potential, the equations of motion take the form of perturbed harmonic oscillators in a rotating frame. In the unperturbed, purely Keplerian case, the post-epicyclic solutions produced with the normal form coincide with those obtained from the expansion of the solution of the Kepler equation. In all cases where the perturbed problem can be cast in autonomous form, the solution is easily obtained as a perturbation series. The generalization to the spatial problem and/or the non-autonomous case is straightforward.     

The adapted solar wind system as cause for a momentum transfer to the sun and its consequences for the orbital motions of keplerian objects

In the following paper we argue that each wind-driving star in relative motion with respect to the ambient interstellar medium experiences a force exerted on its central wind-generating body. The exact magnitude of this force depends on the actual geometry of the counterflow configuration of stellar and interstellar winds for a particular kinematic situation which is especially sensitive to whether the interstellar flow is subsonic or supersonic. It will, however, be demonstrated here that this force is of an accelerating nature, i.e., it operates like a rocket-motor, as long as the peculiar motion of the wind-driving star with respect to the ambient interstellar medium remains subsonic.Here we use a specific analytical model to describe theoretically the specific counterflow configuration for the case of the solar system in a subsonic peculiar motion with respect to the local interstellar medium assuming irrotational and incompressible flows. We can work out a quantitative number for the accelerating force governing the Sun's motion at present. The net reaction force exerted on the solar body is then mediated by the asymmetric boundary conditions to which the distant solar wind field has to adapt.Next we study the indirect action of such a force on orbiting Keplerian objects like planets, planetesimals and comets. Since this force only influences the central solar body, but not the planets themselves, the problem is different from the treatment of a constant perturbation force perturbing the Keplerian orbits. We present a perturbation analysis treating the action of a corresponding position-dependent perturbation force resulting in secular changes of the orbital elements of Keplerian objects. It is found that changes are accumulating more rapidly in time the closer to the sun the orbiting bodies are. Main axis and perihelion distances are systematically increasing. Especially pronounced are changes in the perihelion position angle of the objects. For solar wind mass losses larger than the Sun's present value by a factor of 1000 (T-Tauri phase of the Sun,) the migration periods calculated for the planet Mercury are of the same order of magnitude as that for corresponding general relativistic migration.     

A revised flux vector for the collisional evolution of Keplerian orbits

In statistical Keplerian systems the disordered component of collisionally induced motion of matter introduces new terms into the flux vector. This contribution, which is calculated from a transport equation, tends to reduce the density gradient and causes the expansion which is observed in computer simulations of collisional systems. A quantitative comparison with Trulsen's (1972) simulations confirms the revised expression of the flux vector.     

An analytical treatment of resonance effects on satellite orbits

A first order analytical approximation of the tesseral harmonic resonance perturbations of the Keplerian elements is presented, and the mean elements (the Keplerian elements with the long period portions averaged out) will also be given in closed form. Finally the results of a numerical test, which compares the analytical solution against a numerical integration of the Lagrange equations of motion, will be summarized.This work was sponsored with the support of the Department of the Air Force under contract F19628-85-C-0002.The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government.     

Linearization of dynamical systems using integrals of the motion

A method is presented which transforms certain non-linear differential equations of dynamics into linear equations by introducing a new independent variable and by utilizing the integrals of motion. As examples of special interest the linearizations of unperturbed and perturbed Keplerian motions are discussed.     

Two-body motion in the post-Newtonian approximation

The motion of two massive particles is considered within the framework of the first post-Newtonian approximation. The system Hamiltonian is constructed and normalized through first order using a canonical transformation method of implicit variables. Closed-form solutions for the Delaunay elements in the phase space are obtained. The bridge between the phase space and the state space of the Lagrangian of the motion is provided by a velocity-dependent Legendre transformation. By explicit inversion of this transformation, expressions for the Keplerian elements in the state space are obtained from the Delaunay element solutions.     

Secular orbit-orbit resonance between two satellites with non-zero masses

After the mean anomaly has been removed from the perturbations, the reduced Hamiltonian becomes a function over the Lie algebra determined by the infinitesimal generators associated with the dynamical symmetries of an unperturbed Keplerian system. The phase space being now the group SO(3), average motions consist of rotations, and the normalized Hamiltonian serves as a Morse function whose critical points determine the intrinsic topology of the perturbed system.